Financial Scams

 
Identity theft and consumer scams are a rapidly growing problem.
 
At Hawthorn Bank, we want to help you protect your financial information. Learn about recent scams and how to recognize the warning signs.
 

Recent Scams

 
Read the FTC’s most recent alerts or browse scams by topic.

 

Protect yourself from fake check scams with these tips from FDIC.

FDIC Fake Check Tips


Identity Theft

Do you think you might be a victim of identity theft?

Here are a few signs that require immediate attention:

  • Unexpected credit card or account statements
  • Denials of credit for no apparent reason
  • Calls or letters about purchases you did not make
  • Charges on your financial statements that you don't recognize

If you suspect your identity has been stolen, place a “Fraud Alert” on your credit reports. The alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. These three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial 90-day fraud alert; a call to one company is sufficient:

  • Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
  • TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
  • Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
 

Protecting Yourself

Follow these simple steps to make your financial data more secure:

  • Shred financial documents before you discard them.
  • Don't carry your Social Security card or write your Social Security number on a check.
  • Don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, over the Internet or via text messaging on your cell phone, unless you know who you are dealing with.
  • Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails.
  • Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your home computer; keep them up-to-date.
  • Don't use an obvious password like your birth date, your mother's maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
  • Check your credit report. Visit www.AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228, a service created by these three companies, to order your free annual credit reports. If you see accounts you don't recognize or inaccurate information, contact the company. To find out how to correct credit errors, visit ftc.gov/idtheft.
 
Did You Know?
Hawthorn Bank's Value Checking account offers IDProtect® service, identity theft expense reimbursement coverage and identity theft resolution services. Learn more about this account.
Have More Questions?

You're not alone. There are many resources dedicated to helping consumers who may be experiencing financial fraud. Use the below resources to learn more or help answer your questions.

  • Online: Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Site (ftc.gov/idtheft(Opens in a new Window))
  • By phone: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338) or TTY, 1-866-653-4261
  • By mail: Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580